David Walliams named in sexual misconduct allegations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 15:38 · Archive

David Walliams has been named as the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct involving teenage girls, after his legal bid to suppress the claims failed.

David Walliams, 55, was named on Tuesday as the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct and potential criminal activity following investigations by ITV News and The Guardian. The three-year joint investigation reported allegations dating back to 2003. One woman alleged Walliams began contacting her when she was 15 after meeting her at a Little Britain fan event, and began a sexual relationship with her at 17.

Walliams brought legal action against ITN and Guardian News and Media to prevent publication of the allegations. Lawyers for the media organisations told the High Court the allegations involved Walliams' alleged 'abuse of power and status' to contact young women and try to engage in 'inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities'. Walliams sought anonymity during the proceedings, which was lifted after his injunction bid was dismissed.

Walliams denied the claims and unsuccessfully argued that publication would lead him to take his own life, citing two previous suicide attempts. He was granted anonymity during the legal proceedings. The two media organisations published their investigations after the injunction was dismissed on Tuesday.

How it is being reported

• Moment Jonathan Ross jokes about David Walliams 'going home with 15-year-olds' at 2004 comedy awardsDavid Walliams, who was today unmasked as the celebrity who tried to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct against teenage girls, was filmed throwing his head back in laughter at the remark.Daily Mail · 10 Nov, 15:22
• Jonathan Ross’s grim joke about ‘most 15-year-olds’ going home with David WalliamsThe chat show host mocked Walliams at an awards ceremony back in 2004.Daily Express · 10 Nov, 13:59

In this story: David Walliams · Jonathan Ross · ITV News · The Guardian · Little Britain

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log